Photo: Remi Jouan, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

West Africa · Country guide

Senegal

Teranga hospitality, music, surf and history, with an easy-going capital.

Flag of Senegal
Capital
Dakar
Region
West Africa
Languages
French; Wolof widely spoken
Currency
West African CFA franc
Best time to visit
Nov to May

Senegal is known for teranga, a word for hospitality. Dakar has surf, art and music; Gorée Island and Saint-Louis are UNESCO sites; the Sine-Saloum Delta is a maze of mangroves and birdlife.

Did you know? Lac Rose, near Dakar, turns pink because of salt-loving algae, most strongly in the dry season.

Where to go in Senegal

Known for

  • Dakar and Gorée Island
  • Saint-Louis
  • The Sine-Saloum Delta
  • Lac Rose

Our guides to Senegal

Did you know?

Lac Rose, near Dakar, turns pink because of salt-loving algae, most strongly in the dry season.

Before you go

  • Visas: rules depend on your passport and change often. Check Senegal’s official immigration website and see our visa guide.
  • Health: see a travel clinic about vaccines and malaria. Read our health guide.
  • Safety: read your government’s current travel advice for Senegal.

Plan your trip

Hotels on Booking.com Tours on GetYourGuide Tours on Viator

We may earn a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you.

Frequently asked questions

What is the capital of Senegal?

Dakar.

What currency does Senegal use?

West African CFA franc.

What languages are spoken in Senegal?

French; Wolof widely spoken.

When is the best time to visit Senegal?

Nov to May.

Have you been to Senegal?

Rate it

Tips from travellers

Been to Senegal? Share one tip for the next traveller. The first good one goes right here.

Share a tip

We read every tip before it goes live. No links, please, and nothing personal about other people.

Questions from readers

Got a question about Senegal? Ask it here.

Ask a question

We can’t reply privately. Useful questions get answered here on the page.